“This is an opportunity for our boxers to display their skills at international level.”
Sebastian Singh (left) with his younger brother Ubayd Haider during the South Pacific Boxing promotions programme launch at the LICI House in Suva on September 24, 2024. Photo: Josua Buredua
Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be contested at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions next month.
Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman Adi Narayan confirmed at the launch yesterday that the programme has been endorsed by IBO Australia.
The programme is penciled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park, Nadi; it will also feature a local title fight and local matches including a women’s round.
It will also be the first time for a pair of siblings to fight for international titles. Sebastian Singh is fighting “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title while his younger brother Ubayd Haider will battle it out with China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title.
The third international fight for the super welterweight title will see Winston Hill and Lachlan O’Shea in action.
“This is a one off occasion, I can’t recall if this has happened the last three years,” Narayan said.
“This is an opportunity for our boxers to display their skills at international level.”
Hill’s brother Jonathan Pedro Hill will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title; the fifth fight will be between Jese Ravudi and Vanuatu’s Roy Ser.
Narayan acknowledged promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for making this possible.
Chand added that these fights will open new opportunities for local boxers including women.
The result of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will decide who will secure a fight in England.
“If Winston Hill wins this one, he’ll be given a world title shot that has been granted by IBO, one of the three belts hanging there, he’ll be a step closer.”
Chand has reassured boxing fans and families that security will be tight on the night of the fights to avoid the repeat of the incident that occurred at Lawaqa Park, last month.
Chand is urging boxing clubs and boxers to have their trainers registered with BCF.
“Only four people will be allowed in the ring; one boxer, two trainers plus a cart man if he has a license with BCF.
“If a boxer does not have registered trainers, he will go in with somebody who is registered, so get your team registered.
“Security will not be an issue, 30 private securities will be there and 25 police officers at the ground.”
He also confirmed that an international IBO referee will assist local referees and officials.
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